Pep Guardiola wins 3rd Premier League Manager of the Season award on Tuesday. As a result, he ended up in an illustrious list. Sir Alex Ferguson had nice words for the Catalan after the election.
Ferguson praises Guardiola: “It takes a lot of energy to keep winning”
With Manchester City, Guardiola became champion of England for the fifth time in six seasons this season. In addition, the Champions League and FA Cup final are still on the program. Thanks to the phenomenal season, Guardiola trumped competitors Mikel Arteta (Arsenal), Roberto De Zerbi (Brighton), Unai Emery (Aston Villa), Eddie Howe (Newcastle United) and Marco Silva (Fulham). It delivered beautiful words.
Because Guardiola won for the third time in a row, only Ferguson remains ahead of him. The Scot was named best manager in the Premier League four times for Manchester United. Ferguson praised his successor at the football gala, who is now breathing down his neck. He said, “Pep did a really great job.”
“He joins a wonderful line-up with Don Revie, Sir Kenny Dalglish and David Moyes,” Ferguson said. “It takes an enormous amount of energy and intensity to keep winning year after year. It’s really great if you can ensure that your players and staff can maintain an exceptionally high standard.”
The English national coach Gareth Southgate also had words of praise for Guardiola. “Pep has created a team that wins every year. The three titles in a row tell you the story of his work. Even in England, the land of the Premier League, children used to want to watch his Barcelona. It says everything about the way in which his work makes an impact on the football world,” he added.
Guardiola’s acceptance speech
“Thank you for this great trophy,” Guardiola said gratefully. “I want to share it with my nominees, actually with all managers. In particular I would like to say that they have all done a great job this season. I am extremely grateful that I can now receive the trophy as best manager.”
On Saturday, Guardiola and The Citizens will meet city rivals Manchester United at Wembley in the FA Cup final. A week later, the team travels to Istanbul. Internazionale is waiting there for the Champions League final.
